Doctors in Hambantota hospitals face death threats due to drug shortage

Officials present at the District Coordinating Committee meeting held at the Hambantota Administrative Office listen to shortcoming in the health sector of Hambantota which were highlighted by medics and medical professionals 

By Dilip Jayasekara, Suriyawewa Corr.  

Health authorities in the Hambantota district have expressed concerns regarding the shortage of drugs in hospitals and hardship created as a result. 

District Director of Health Services Dr. Deepika Patabendi told the District coordinating committee recently that the doctors were facing death treats due to the shortage of drugs. They maintained that the drug shortage had a negative impact on their careers in the medical profession. 

“All hospitals in the district are facing a severe shortage of drugs. For example we have received just a fraction of the required quantities of antibiotics. These rugs are distributed among the hospitals based on priorities. The three base hospitals should be given priority. It is our responsibility to place orders with the Medical Supplies Division. Steps has been taken to provide transport as well. However it is sad that the Medical Supplies Division is not in a position to meet our requirements. It is a serious issue affecting the medical services in the district. We have been allowed to purchase a limited quantity of drugs locally, but it is not possible for want of funds. My request is to distribute the total requirement of drugs for the country through the Medical Supplies Division.

“The allocation of drugs for the district this year was valued at Rs. 6.1 million and we have at present a balance of only drugs worth Rs.1,030,000. Recently, the District Drugs Committee and the heads of hospitals raised this issue and requested a boost to the supply of drugs. It is not possible to meet their demand for want of funds,” she said.

“The purchase of stocks of drugs in bulk at provincial level is a risky undertaking. This is evident from the media reports. Hospital Superintendents are not responsible for the shortage of drugs in any manner. It is unfair to put the blame on them. A shortage of drugs in government hospitals is a matter of serious concern. Patients run riot when they are asked to purchase drugs from the open market. They create trouble for the doctors. The medical staff is facing death threats.  This is a major issue that should be resolved soon.” Dr. Patabendi said.  

She added that the government hospitals in the Hambantota district are facing a dearth of doctors and other employees and that the base hospitals were the worst affected. 

“The hardships faced by the doctors are further aggravated by the shortage of staff. The base hospitals are short of 25 doctors and the divisional hospital and Primary Medical Care Units are short of eight doctors. MOH officers are facing hardships for want of doctors.  Meanwhile, several vacancies as pharmacists and other employee categories have not been filled. The smooth functioning of the health services in the Hambatota district is a serious challenge,” the Director of Health Services further said.